March 1998 | With Sexual-Harassment Ruling, State Enhances Its Workers’-Rights Image

If you’re a target of sexual harassment at work, there’s at least a little bit of good news: In trend-setting California, it may be getting easier to sue your employer for damages.

That’s due to a state Court of Appeal decision this month that narrows the ability of employers to use the common legal defense that they aren’t responsible for everything, including some of the harassment, that occurs in their workplaces.

The decision maintains California’s tradition of being more protective of workers’ rights in employment disputes–and tougher on employers–than the rest of the country. It also comes as the U.S. Supreme Court is considering cases that could redefine employers’ more limited liability under federal law for sexual harassment in the workplace.